LOS ANGELES — The Bears woke up Monday with a chance to claim the best record in the NFC.
They trail 10-3 at halftime, though, after a stumbling performance by their offense against the Rams. Quarterback Nick Foles has put up effective-looking numbers — he’s 12-for-15 for 121 yards and a 100.3 passer rating — but the operation still seems inept. The Bears, whose run game hasn’t looked right in over a month, has have eight carries for 20 yards.
Playing the Bears for the third time in as many seasons, Rams quarterback Jared Goff finally got a touchdown pass against them, finding receiver Josh Reynolds for four yards to take a 7-0 lead 11 minutes into the game.
The Bears countered with a 42-yard Cairo Santos field goal, marching 58 yards on a drive that was highlighted by two catches for 45 yards by rookie tight end Cole Kmet. His 38-yarder surpassed his season total.
After the Bears coaxed a Rams punt after nine plays, they were faced with an intriguing decision. After receiver Javon Wims was tackled along the right sideline near the first-down marker, the Rams challenged the spot of the ball. Officials found Wims to be a half-yard short. Even though the Bears were at their own 19-yard line, they decided to go for it. As Nick Foles took the snap and fell forward for what would have been the first down, a flag flew from the umpire standing behind the quarterback. Left guard Rashaad Coward was called for a false start, the Bears punted and the Rams eventually kicked a 22-yard field goal to go up 10-3.
